The Atlantic County courthouse and two elementary schools in Mays Landing were evacuated earlier today following several threats.File Photo

Police have determined the Atlantic County courthouse and two Mays Landing elementary schools are safe after several threats forced evacuation earlier today.

Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles told the Press of Atlantic City about six bomb-sniffing dogs cleared the courthouse after someone called at about 12:20 p.m. warning it would blow up in five minutes.

Threatening calls also came into two Mays Landing elementary schools, George L. Hess and Joseph C. Shaner, Hamilton police said. Students from the Hess school were sent to William Davies Middle School and children from the Shaner school were sent to St. Vincent DePaul Catholic School.

Police said a sweep at the Hess school around 2 p.m. had found nothing. Officials said the same of a 3:45 p.m. sweep at Shaner.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, two high-profile cases have been going on in the Atlantic County courthouse. One involves the killing of an Egg Harbor City woman in 2010, allegedly to keep her from testifying in a 2009 shooting that involved one of the defendants. The other trial involves an Egg Harbor Township man who is accused of sexually assaulting seven women.

Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain would not comment to the Press of Atlantic City on whether the threats are linked to either of the cases.